Songgwangsa Temple Geumgangjeo

A geumgangjeo (vajra) is a ritual implement used in Buddhist ceremonies. The word 'jeo' derives from an ancient Indian weapon, and the object is said to originate in a myth in which the god Indra, riding an elephant into battle against the asura, wielded the vajra as a weapon and shattered the asura's weapons. Shaped to be held in the hand, it is said to carry a solemn, weighty feeling when grasped, subduing all distracting thoughts and obstacles and guiding the holder toward the world of the Buddha. The Songgwangsa Temple Geumgangjeo is shaped like an arrowhead with three prongs at each end, and the section of the handle where the palm rests bulges outward. Both ends of the handle are decorated with a relief carving of a four-petalled lotus design, giving the piece a delicate and beautiful appearance.

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Where it is

Region

Suncheon, Jeonnam & Gwangju

Designation

Provincial Tangible Heritage · 시도유형문화유산